In WP Squared every website is a WordPress site, so creating one also installs WordPress, creates the database and sets up the administrator account. This guide walks through the process and the first settings to check once the site exists.
Before you start
- Access to the WP Squared dashboard from MdmHost dashboard → Services.
- A domain or subdomain you control. Point it to MdmHost first, using our nameservers or an A record to your server's IP, so the SSL certificate can be issued.
- A strong password and an email address for the WordPress administrator. Do not use
adminas the username.
Create the site
- Open the WP Squared dashboard and go to the Sites area.
- Click the button to create or add a new site.
- Choose the domain. You can use the main domain, add a new domain or use a subdomain such as
blog.example.com. - Enter the site title. You can change it later in WordPress under Settings → General.
- Set the administrator username, email and password.
- Confirm. WP Squared installs WordPress, creates the database and links the site to the domain. This takes a minute or two.
Check SSL
WP Squared requests a free certificate for the domain automatically once DNS points to the server. Open the site at https://yourdomain.com and check the padlock. If you see a certificate warning, DNS may still be propagating; wait an hour and check again. A domain that points elsewhere cannot receive a certificate.
Log in to WordPress
Use the site's login or wp-admin shortcut in the WP Squared dashboard to open the WordPress admin without typing your password. You can still log in directly at https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin with the credentials you chose.
First settings in WordPress
- Settings → General: check the site title, tagline, time zone and that both addresses start with
https://. - Settings → Permalinks: choose Post name for clean, SEO-friendly URLs and save.
- Settings → Reading: while building the site, you can tick Discourage search engines from indexing this site. Untick it at launch.
- Appearance → Themes: choose a lightweight theme.
- Plugins: delete sample plugins you do not need and install only what you will use.
- Users → Profile: add a nickname for public display so your login name is not shown on posts.
Set up updates and backups
Decide how updates should be handled for this site in the WP Squared update settings, and confirm the site is included in backups. Doing this on day one means you never have to remember later.
Troubleshooting
- Domain not available in the list: add the domain to your account first, or check that it is not already used by another site.
- Site shows a default or placeholder page: DNS still points to the old host; check with your registrar and use the WHOIS checker to see the current nameservers.
- Cannot log in with the one-click button: clear cookies or try a private window; then reset the password from WordPress's Lost your password? link.
- Installation failed: try again after a few minutes, and contact support with the domain name if it keeps failing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I create several sites?
Yes, up to the number of sites your plan allows. Each one has its own WordPress install and database.
Can I install WordPress in a subfolder?
WP Squared is designed around one site per domain or subdomain. Use a subdomain such as shop.example.com for a separate site.